JABALPUR — A festive procession turned into a tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district shortly after midnight on Thursday, October 22, 2026 when a low-hanging live wire snapped and fell onto a tractor-trolley carrying a Durga idol for immersion. The electrocution incident claimed the lives of two young men and left six others injured, sparking local anger over infrastructure safety.
The victims who lost their lives have been identified as Vikas Rajput, 22, and Prince Chauhan, 23. Both were seated on the tractor during the procession when the high-voltage wire struck.
The incident occurred around 12:04 AM as a procession of over 50 devotees was moving from Civil Line Path toward Narili pond in the Majhauli area for the idol immersion ceremony following the Navratri festival.
According to police and local eyewitnesses, participants were attempting to lift an overhead sagging wire using a wooden stick to allow the tall tractor-trolley to pass safely underneath. During the process, the wire accidentally came into contact with an active high-tension power line. The surge caused the wire to snap, instantly charging the vehicle and sending electric currents through those on board.
Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Mohanti Maravi confirmed that Rajput and Chauhan died on the spot. Six other individuals suffered varying degrees of electric shocks and were rushed to nearby medical facilities, with one person reported to be in critical condition.
News of the electrocutions caused immediate anger among residents in Majhauli. Devotees and local residents blocked roads on Thursday morning to protest against municipal and power authorities.
Locals claimed that during pre-festival administrative meetings, they had explicitly alerted the police, local government officials, and organizing committee members about dangerous, low-hanging overhead power lines along the procession route. Residents alleged that despite repeated appeals to repair or raise the wires, no corrective actions were taken prior to the event.
Police officials managed to resolve the roadblock after holding discussions with community members. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination. Law enforcement authorities have registered an official case to determine whether criminal negligence contributed to the tragedy. An inquiry is ongoing to investigate accountability among local power department personnel and event managers.
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